Royal Baby: How Prince George and Princess Charlotte’s New Sibling Will Change the Royal Family

Royal watchers were on the edge of their seats waiting for Prince William and Kate Middleton to have their next baby. But this new bundle of joy is way more than just another royal in the line of succession to the throne. In fact, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge’s third child could alter the family’s dynamic quite a bit. Here are a couple questions we are asking now that he’s here.

Will Charlotte still be ‘the boss’?

Her parents may have sent her to a more artsy nursery school than her older brother. But it has been widely acknowledged that at Kensington Palace, Princess Charlotte runs the show. Heck, even Queen Elizabeth has said her great-granddaughter is the boss. It will definitely be interesting to see how she reacts to having a younger sibling.

Next: Will and Kate’s parenting methods might change.

Will the duke and duchess be as hands-on?

As part of their efforts to be more modern royals, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge try to be very hands-on with Prince George and Princess Charlotte. This includes taking their kids to school and spending family time away from the hustle and bustle of London. This might change for a bit, as a new baby will need a lot of extra attention. However, it’s likely that the duke and duchess will continue their habit of being very hands-on parents with all of their kids.

Next: A new baby means a very special event — and potential family drama.

What will this baptism be like?

Will this baptism be drama-free? | Mary Turner-WPA Pool/Getty Images

There was some family drama at the last two royal baby baptisms. Prince William’s cousins Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie were not in attendance for either George or Charlotte’s baptisms, with Beatrice also surprisingly being snubbed for the godmother job on both occasions. (Both Will and Kate have had it out with Beatrice over the years.) Time will tell whether the baptism for the new baby puts any family feuding at the forefront.

Next: Speaking of new family members …

What will the relationship be like with Meghan Markle?

Will she be a hands-on aunt? | Chris Jackson/Getty Images

Prince George and Princess Charlotte already have a good relationship with their uncle, Prince Harry. But Cambridge baby No. 3 made his debut roughly a month before Harry marries American actress Meghan Markle. It will be interesting to see how her relationship with the new baby evolves and whether Harry has a different relationship with his newest nephew.

Next: As for the extended family …

How will the extended family react?

The extended royal family is wary of the added attention. | Chris Jackson/Getty Images

There have been whispers over the years that the extended royal family– namely Prince Charles’ siblings and their families — have appeared less than thrilled by the pomp and circumstance that surrounds the birth of another royal. Then again, Prince Charles is not on great terms with his siblings. So while relatives, such as Princess Anne, will surely be happy for Will and Kate, they will likely also give the new bundle of joy a lukewarm reception.

Next: But enough about aunts and uncles. Let’s talk about great-grandma.

What does the baby mean for Queen Elizabeth?

Will the queen abdicate? | Sean Gallup/Getty Images

There has been a lot of speculation over the past year or so over whether Queen Elizabeth will end her reign and abdicate the throne. With another great-grandchild now, curiosity about her status on the throne has only grown. Will she want to spend more time with the youngsters and retire from all of her royal duties? It still remains to be seen.

Next: Speaking of royal duties …

What happens with royal duties?

Will the couple keep up their public appearances with a new baby at home? | John Stillwell-WPA Pool/Getty Images

As we previously discussed, Prince William and Kate Middleton are very active and hands-on parents. So not surprisingly, there have been rumors that the Duchess of Cambridge wants to have fewer royal duties now that her third child is born, so she can give her growing family all the attention it needs. There are also rumors that the queen isn’t very happy about this. Did the new baby started a royal family feud before he was even born? Will the duc, in fact,fact step away from some of her royal obligations? We’ll just have to wait and see.